Agricultural Labor and Employment Law

Agricultural employers face many of the same legal issues as non-agricultural employers. They also face many issues that are unique to the agriculture industry. Many employment laws provide exemptions for agriculture or establish a standard that is distinct compared to other industries. Requirements for overtime, meal and rest periods, workplace safety standards, and unionization highlight some of the key distinctions for agricultural employers.

Sutton Hague Law

The attorneys of Sutton Hague Law Corporation represent clients involved in production agriculture and related businesses, including farmers, dairies, processors, packer/shippers and agricultural support services. We have represented these clients in civil litigation and before state and federal enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the California Labor Commissioner, Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB), Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, California Workers Compensation Appeals Board (Serious & Willful and 132a claims), Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner, Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC), and the Nevada Department of Business and Industry.

Our attorneys have represented agricultural employers in wage and hour claims, including class actions and claims under the California Private Attorneys General Act, wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment claims, workplace safety violations, and unfair labor practice complaints. We also counsel these clients on compliance issues like employee handbooks, workplace policies, employee discipline and termination, union representation, and workplace investigations with a focus on the particular needs of agricultural employers.

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